The Orkney and Shetland Islands

Several of the islands mentioned above are extremely exposed to weather and wind and the exact route is dependent on these factors. Please keep in mind that flexibility is the key to a successful adventure!

In the morning we disembark and continue home. If you have time, we suggest you take the Bergen Line to Oslo and experience one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Explore in the hanseatic city of Bergen, surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords. Popular sights include Bryggen Museum, the Bergenhus fortress and the fish markets. We also take the cable car up to the highest of Bergen s seven mountains, Mount Ulriken, from where we get a spectacular view of the city.

Lerwick is the capital and main port of the Shetland Islands. By strolling around the streets, we can feel the history that still dwells here. The town also houses a beautiful museum, where we get acquainted with the islands fascinating history and culture. We then head at sea, towards the Norwegian coast and beautiful Bergen.

We are now on an expedition and our exact itinerary will depend on weather and wind conditions. These are places we hope to visit:

Summer Isles & Handa
We sail towards the Summer Isles and go ashore on the largest and the only inhabited island of the archipelago Tanera Mor. Those who walk up Meall Mor, the highest point on the island, will be rewarded with a magnificent view. We also visit the little post office that has issued its own postage stamps since 1970. Later, we reach the small island Handa. During the summer season the islands dramatic sandstone cliffs become home to an estimated 100 000 breeding seabirds such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots.

Sula Sgeir
The uninhabited and remote Island of Sula Sgeir is located in the midst of the sea and is known for its bustling birdlife. Here, you also find the ruins from a stone house called Taigh Beannaichte (Blessed House). If the sea is calm we might also get a chance to explore some of the caves along the coast.

North Rona
East of Sula Sgeir lies North Rona. Even more isolated and remote than St Kilda it is also very hard to find on a map. North Rona is said to have been the home of Saint Ronan in the 8th century. A small Christian oratory that probably dates back to the same period stands almost intact. Today, grey seals and sea birds are the only inhabitants on the island.

Stromness & Kirkwall
In a private bus from the charming town of Stromness we travel to the 5 000-year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings that were revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 160 years ago. This is the heart of Neolithic Orkney, designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. Today it is western Europes best preserved prehistoric village. We continue to the Ring of Brodgar a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5 000 years. Our day ends in Kirkwall, where we visit the beautiful St. Magnus Cathedral.

Fair Isle
Located halfway between Orkney and Shetland, this small island claims to be the best place to find rare birds in Britain with at least 27 first records and also hosts a famous bird observatory. Fair Isle is a also a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colours.

Hermaness
The moorland and the dramatic cliffs of Hermaness are home to gannets, cormorants, guillemots and puffins. Here, you also find a large colony of great skuas, known as the flying pirates. Even the giants are said to have settled here. Unfortunately a giant called Herman, the namesake of the island, is said to have been lured away by a mermaid...

Papa Stour
The islands eroded, volcanic cliffs form an interesting coastline consisting of cliff ledges, stone columns, arches, blowholes and caves. The most famous cave is Kirstan Hol and during a calm day it is possible to sail through its labyrinths. On the island you also find several Neolithic graveyards and what is said to be the remnants of a 13th century house that belonged to Duke Hakon.

Out Skerries
If you look at a map it may be difficult to imagine that this small island is inhabited, but these four square kilometers of rock and pasture boast of more than 70 residents. The dramatic landscape, the birdlife and the interesting history make a visit here unforgettable.

Noss
In the 1850s some 20 people lived on the island, but today it does not have any permanent inhabitants (not counting the sheep that graze here). The scenic sandstone cliffs of Noss are home to an array of nesting seabirds and if lucky we might see porpoise and otter in the surrounding waters.

After lunch we travel together to Oban and board M/S Stockholm in the afternoon. After settled into our cabins we set course north the expedition has started!

We arrive in Glasgow and spend a night at a comfortable and centrally located hotel.